The sciences of complexity: a new theological resource?

2014 ◽  
pp. 315-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Peacocke
Keyword(s):  
Sciences Of Complexity

Sciences of complexity and language origins: an alternative to natural selection

2001 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor M Longa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Specific Property ◽  
Dynamic Interaction ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Language Origins ◽  
Complex Design ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
Sciences Of Complexity

AbstractNatural selection is claimed to be the only way to explain complex design. The same assumption has also been held for language. However, sciences of complexity have shown, from a wide range of domains, the existence of a clear alternative: self-organisation, spontaneous patterns of order arising from chaos. According to this view, design derives from internal factors (dynamic interaction of the elements within the system) rather than from adaptation to the environment by means of selection. This paper aims to apply sciences of complexity to language origins; it shows that preexisting and well established ideas can be rethought according to such a view. The main objective of the paper is to illustrate the new and promising horizons that complexity could open as regards the origins of the most specific property of human beings.

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